Kentucky Oaks Odds: The Fantasy Stakes Clash

Share News

Kentucky Oaks Odds and News

”Quietside” and “Simply Joking” Clash in Fantasy Stakes at Oaklawn Park

As Kentucky Derby Prep Races take center stage this weekend, the focus also turns to the 3-year-old fillies aiming for their shot at the Kentucky Oaks. 

On March 29, Oaklawn Park hosts the $750,000 Grade 2 Fantasy Stakes, a key stop on the road to the Oaks. The 1 1/16-mile race on dirt awards 100-50-25-15-10 qualifying points to the top five finishers, directly influencing the Kentucky Derby odds and offering great value for Kentucky Derby betting fans keeping an eye on top female talent.

The field of 10 is led by two standout fillies—Quietside and Simply Joking—who bring impressive credentials into this Oaks qualifier.

Quietside Returns After Breakthrough Graded Win

Shortleaf Stable’s Quietside headlines the local contingent and enters the Fantasy Stakes off a convincing win in the Honeybee Stakes (G3) at Oaklawn. Significantly, that victory marked her first graded win after a juvenile season that included two Grade 1 placings behind champion Immersive as well as a runner-up finish to Oaks favorite Good Cheer in a Grade 2.

Trained by John Ortiz, Quietside has trained steadily at Oaklawn since her Honeybee score, including a bullet work in :59 3/5 on March 16 and a sharp maintenance breeze under Ramon Vazquez a week later. With Jose Ortiz back in the saddle and riding from post 5, she’s the 2-1 second choice on the morning line.

Simply Joking Brings Unbeaten Record to Arkansas

Undefeated Simply Joking ships in from Fair Grounds for trainer Whit Beckman. Practical Joke’s daughter broke her maiden in stakes company last December and followed that effort with a front-running win in the Silverbulletday Stakes. She missed a planned start in the Rachel Alexandra due to illness but has resumed training, including a bullet work on March 7.

Simply Joking, owned by Grantley Acres, Ryan Conner, and Berkels0813, is the 8-5 morning-line favorite and will break from post 7 with Jaime Torres in the irons.

Take Charge Milady Looks to Rebound

The 6-1 third choice is Take Charge Milady, who finished well behind Quietside in the Honeybee after a troubled trip from far back in the field. Before that, the Kenneth McPeek-trained filly scored a decisive 5 3/4-length win over Quietside in the Martha Washington Stakes. She’s a strong Kentucky Oaks odds rebound candidate, with Brian Hernandez Jr. taking the reins and drawing the rail in her favor.

Other Contenders Bring Depth and Upset Potential

Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen sends out Sunland Park Oaks winner Runnin N Gunnin from post 10. Although she steps up in class, she enters off a decisive victory and will be ridden by Flavien Prat.

Brad Cox’s California Sunset, listed at 12-1, comes off a stakes placing and draws well in post 2 with Florent Geroux. Necessity, fourth in the Honeybee for Norm Casse, may benefit from a better trip and breaks from post 6 under Ricardo Santana Jr.

Kinzie Queen (10-1), Princess Em Too (15-1), Baytown Butterfly (30-1), and Princess Aliyah (12-1) round out the competitive field, with most looking to advance in their stakes careers.

With the Oaks points and prestige, Saturday’s Fantasy Stakes promises a battle between proven class and emerging stars. For complete Kentucky Oaks odds, insights, and betting opportunities across the Oaklawn card, visit our racebook today.